The SARUS FESTIVAL is an annual event organized by the ALBAN ELVED DANCE COMPANY, a 501-c-3 non-profit charitable organization based in Wilmington, NC. It is curated by Karola Luettringhaus and managed by a small staff and a larger "nest" of collaborators.

We aim to create a community of dancers, actors, video makers, visual artists, performance artists, and musicians who interact with the local community in Wilmington, NC and the surrounding areas.

July 7-10th, 2016 will be the 5th festival. Artists from both the US and abroad have performed in past festivals. Venues have ranged from Carolina Beach, Cameron Art Center, Bellamy Mansion, Cucalorus Headquarters, Greenfield Lake, and much more.

We need $1600 to get our budget on the right course for this year! We are choosing a theme of "sweet 16" as a metaphor for getting us driving independently on the road to financial success. We have 16 days to raise $1600 in order to achieve the first phase of our development plan. Following this event we will host a live fundraiser and festival preview in April. The event will take place at Ironclad Brewery on April 30th in Wilmington. We will also be applying for art grants and corporate sponsorships in order to round out our financial plan for 2016. YOU can help us with this first phase!

What We Need & What You Get

To start with, we are looking for artists to support art. That's why we have so many options for small donations. Artists can help by giving as little as $10.

We want interested audiences to help produce. We need interpreters, investigators, and innovators to join us in our quest towards a workable budget.

There are many choices and options for different wallet sizes. See the information listed in the Perks.

The Impact

Funds from this kickoff event will go to payment for publicity, venues, administration, and 2016 artists. You will see the fruition immediately as the Sarus Festival grows its presence in print and online. You can also track venues as they are confirmed on our website and social media platforms.

The Sarus Festival will continue to bring together both neophyte and mid-career artists to create and perform in multiple artistic mediums from across the United States and abroad.

Risks & Challenges

We have been operating with minimal funding and need help at all levels to be successful in producing this festival. The donation pipeline is crucial to our advancement and longevity.

We WANT to pay artists!

We also want to be able to pay staff what they are worth and not rely fully on volunteerism.

The Sarus Festival produces high quality art and needs sound financial footing to maintain the caliber of work necessary to compete in a contemporary art market.

Other Ways You Can Help

Artists are wanted to create and sell innovative merchandise at our live fundraiser/festival preview event on April 30th.

If you live in the Wilmington, NC area then you can join the Sarus Nest group. They meet monthly to discuss ideas and actions relative to the festival. If interested email sarusfestival@gmail.com

Volunteers are always needed at festival in July. Contact sarusfestival@gmail.com